April 23, 2024

An Eye-opening Interview with J. Kale Flagg

J. Kale Flagg

J. Kale Flagg

A native of beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii, J. Kale Flagg dreamed of being a successful businessman since he was a child. J. Kale Flagg’s life and career have taken him all around the globe. From childhood travels thru France, England, Morocco, Cyprus, Israel, Turkey and Greece; to college at Yale University to jobs on Wall Street to working under the bright lights of Las Vegas, J. Kale Flagg has seen and done it all. His outstanding track record in business and his success in his personal and family lives make J. Kale Flagg a true inspiration to anyone seeking to accomplish their own dreams and goals. Recently, Interviewing Experts had the opportunity to spend a few moments talking with J. Kale Flagg about his formula for success.

Interviewing Experts: Why do you think that many people get stuck in their daily lives?

J. Kale Flagg: A lot of people simply do the exact same thing every day, and then they wonder why nothing is changing in their lives. I’ve heard insanity defined as doing the same thing time and time again and expecting new results – I call that a blueprint for failure.

Interviewing Experts: How does that translate into the business world?

J. Kale Flagg: I look at my sales team and employees and I ask them why every person in the world isn’t happy, or why most people aren’t doing their dream jobs. The answer I get is that they want to accomplish those things, but they don’t think they can. There’s an invisible barrier for most people.

Interviewing Experts: How can people break through that barrier?

J. Kale Flagg: Effort. Just go for it! I haven’t met anyone who put forth the tremendous effort it takes to succeed who didn’t end up achieving his or her dream. Sure, success comes easier for some, but at the end of the day, it is getting started followed by consistent pure hard work that separates the mediocre life from the life you dream of.

Interviewing Experts: Why do you think people are afraid to try?

J. Kale Flagg: It’s a fear of failure. It’s a fear of what other people will think or say. Sometimes it’s even a fear of success. For many people, success is an unknown because they’ve never been there before. And fear of the unknown drives people to stay in their comfort zones.

Interviewing Experts: How would you best describe this fear?

J. Kale Flagg: Think of a boat that has been floating in the same spot of water for years. There are better spots all around it, but starting the boat up also starts waves. It makes the ride uncomfortable, and just like in life, that makes many people resistant to moving or making changes.

Interviewing Experts: What is it about “making waves” that scares people?

J. Kale Flagg: Think about it—if you’ve been stuck in a rut for years, your friends and family know you as that person. They may not want you to change. But when you get on a path toward success, you may become a different person, and often times, there is resistance from those who are closest to us.

Interviewing Experts: What sort of parting advice do you wish to leave us with?

J. Kale Flagg: Don’t be afraid of change. Don’t be afraid of hard work. And don’t be afraid to make a few waves. But perhaps most importantly, don’t be afraid of failure—just keep moving, taking action, and striving ahead. In time, your efforts will pay off.

James Stuckey Answers Questions about Real Estate Development

 

James Stuckey

James Stuckey

James Stuckey, the former President of the New York City Public Design Commission, explains that a city’s economic infrastructure relies on numerous development types.

Q: What is Large Scale Development?

James Stuckey: Like the name suggests, it is any project that affects a great number of people over a large area.

Q: What large-scale development projects are notable in New York City?

James Stuckey: MetroTech, where the NYC Fire Dept. is headquartered, the South Street Seaport and its surrounding shops, and Times Square.

Q: How are Mixed-Use Developments helpful to a community?

James Stuckey: A Mixed Use Development is a benefit to residents, because they can have easy access to their homes, jobs, and shopping, since any or all of these can be zoned in the same building.

Q: Are there environmental benefits to a Mixed Use Development?

James Stuckey: By allowing a single building or a group of buildings to serve multiple purposes, it opens up the opportunity for less reliance on gas-powered vehicles, since living and working in the same area is a feasible option.  It promotes mass transportation.

Q: What is an example of this type of development?

James Stuckey: Battery Park City.

Q.: What is Inner City Development?

James Stuckey: This type of project is completed in a metropolitan area; most people think of “inner city” as low income areas but that is not always the case.

Q.: Are Inner City Development projects unique to the United States?

James Stuckey: They are not. A great example of an inner city development would be a the Staples Center arena in Los Angeles or the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.

Q: What is a Transit Oriented Development?

James Stuckey: Planned communities that are centered on or adjacent to public transport access are considered Transit Oriented.

Q: Why is it important to have areas with access to public transportation when most people drive?

James Stuckey: In large cities, it is not uncommon for most people to live close enough to work to walk. Also, in densely populated areas, public transit is a much more efficient way to travel and it offers many environmental benefits.

Q: Why is it important to have so many development types in a city?

James Stuckey: So that there is a range of accessible jobs and housing. Not everyone has the same financial means to live in a certain area. Also, not all people have the skills or desire to work in an office all day. Having a town with many different development types helps the economy by providing for its resident’s varied needs.  Also, cities often develop in myriad ways over their histories.

Q: Are developers only interested in urban development?

James Stuckey: No, absolutely not. Suburban areas impact the economy just as much as downtown developments.

Q: What kinds of projects have you seen built in suburban areas?

James Stuckey: Suburban office parks, residential areas and commercial property, like retail space. Also, areas outside of the metropolitan region are more open, which can allow for more land devoted to industrial developments or shopping space.

Q: Define Infrastructure development…

James Stuckey: Roads, bridges, tunnels; even energy technology.

Q: What kind of development are courts, hospitals, schools and libraries considered?

James Stuckey: These are government and non-profit projects.

Q: Do most developers focus on one type of project?

James Stuckey: Some can, but many chose to offer both public and private sector services.

 

James Stuckey is the CEO of Verdant Properties, LLC®. During his 30 year long career, James Stuckey has served both the public and private sectors and helped develop some of the most recognizable structures in the city. James Stuckey is a New York City native with personal interests ranging from green and sustainable development to photography and golf.

O2 Media’s Designing Spaces on Lifetime with Caleb Geffre

Designing Spaces

The following segment aired on Lifetime Television. Joining the show was Caleb Geffre from RicoRock®. Here, Caleb is talking to our viewers about Swimming pool Waterfall.

Host, Debie Marie: Designing Spaces is all about you and you’re space, you’re home and surroundings. I am Debie Marie.

Spaces’ Host, David Jones: And I am David Jones. Here on Designing Spaces, we take a look at all aspects of your home and property including lifestyle. Today we focus on creating your backyard oasis.

Host, Debie Marie: Ohh. That’s right. We look at patio furniture, get landscaping ideas and see how we can create attractive safe and functional decks. You will be inspired.

Host, David Jones: Did you ever hear of the word poolscape?

Host, Debie Marie: Poolscape? I am going to go way out on a limb and say that is the backyard surrounding the pool.

Host, David Jones: You’re not just a pretty face. Ha ha. But there is much more to it than you might think. And the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.Take a look at this.

David: The sights and sounds of nature can now be right in your own backyard. Waterfalls and rocks can be added to just about any pool setting. Even a formal pool design can be set off with the natural look of rock and moving water. Water features like this are popular with folks of all ages and on all scales from simple waterfalls to elaborate caves and lagoon pools. It’s all about atmosphere and we bring that extra special touch to your pool side.We’re here with Caleb Geffre from Rico Rock. Caleb welcome to the show.

Caleb Geffre: Thank you. Thank you very much.

David: Rico Rock. That is a fun name. What is Rico Rock?

Caleb Geffre: It’s made out of concrete actually. What we do is we go out in the field, we find the real rock.

David: Oh, that feels real.

Caleb Geffre: And we make a mold of it.

David: That feels very real and it’s cold like real stone.

Caleb Geffre: Exactly. That is the benefit of concrete.

David: What are some of the advantages of using Rico Rock over real rock?

Caleb Geffre: It is lightweight for one. Secondly, the more of these together concrete bonds up better to concrete than it does to actual rocks. When you go up against the real rocks, concrete doesn’t like to stick so well. When we do concrete to concrete is real. Everything holds up.

David: And this is lighter than real rock.

Caleb Geffre: Correct, correct. This is lighter than real rock and two people can move just about all the pieces.

David: But, it is solid. It’s not like it’s just going to blow away on you?

Caleb Geffre: Correct, correct. It is never going to blow away on you. As long as it is correctly motored in place, it will never go anywhere.

David: It is always this color? Can you get other colors?

Caleb Geffre: Oh no, um from this point on it gets stained. It can be made to look like granite to Tennessee field stone, to river rock to any color that you really want. You can go from there.

David: Caleb, how difficult is it to install Rico Rock?

Caleb Geffre: Uh, it is very simple to install Rico Rock actually. It’s just basic masonry skills. All that is done is basically you’d take, put down some concrete, set a rock on top of it, put more concrete on top go on top of that with another rock. Just stack it up from the ground. Just like a puzzle. A normal installation of a waterfall around a pool would take a day or less.

David: That is it?

Caleb Geffre: Do it within a day.

David: One day and you have a beautiful new landscape around the pool.

Caleb Geffre: You do. You have a nice atmosphere created around your pool. The sound of running water, everybody really enjoys that.

David:Well, if you have a waterfall, where does the water come from?

Caleb Geffre: The water comes from the pool actually. Um, what is done is that it’s usually used through the same equipment that is run already in your equipment set up. The water goes from your pool over the waterfall back into the pool. It just recirculates the water.

David: That’s easy. Now, can you use Rico Rock to make caves and grottos and things more interesting?

Caleb Geffre: Oh yes. Caves and grottos are very simple. Um, well basically, the sky is the limit. However big you want to go. It can be used around swimming pools, lagoons, and it’s even been used around Koi ponds. Things like that.

David: So, just use your imagination.

Caleb Geffre: Exactly.

David (Designing Spaces): Well, once Rico Rock is laid in place, I mean these swimming pools they just look beautiful, absolutely gorgeous, and they look kind of expensive. Are they affordable?

Caleb Geffre: Anybody can afford them. It’s just how big and how vast you want to go.

Designing Spaces: Caleb, I mean, the first thing I said was “Wow.” This looks absolutely amazing! Did you have any trouble with the installation at all?

Caleb Geffre: Um, no. The installation went real good. Everything went real smoothly. Most of the Rico Rock installations can be done in one day. With a pool like this, with all the extra rock work and everything done with it, yeah, you know it might take three, four or five days.

Designing Spaces: Sure

Caleb Geffre: So it all depends on how much you want to do. The best thing to do with that is to contact your local Rico Rock contractor and go from there.

Designing Spaces: That is still a very short amount of time for something this beautiful, and George, the proud homeowner, I know this is a silly question, but I mean, do you like it?

George: We are very, very happy with it. It came out beautiful. We can’t keep the kids out of it! They are on the slide and the diving board all the time!

Designing Spaces: How about neighbors, and friends? I bet they are coming over a lot more often now.

George: We have had quite a few parties since the completion of the project.

Designing Spaces: Caleb, you have got to tell me more about this. I mean, let’s take a closer look. Apparently, this is just a railing to get in and out of the pool.

Caleb Geffre: Yeah, exactly. This is a unique way of making the ordinary silver thing that you have got to do at the end of your pool you know, into something that looks really neat. Yeah, it really does. Um, basically it’s got a steal column on the inside of it wrapped with concrete.

It’s very sturdy. It’s never going to go anywhere. It will be there for many, many years.

Designing Spaces: So kids can jump all over it and it’s not going to fall.

Caleb Geffre: You bet. Without a problem, without a problem.

Designing Spaces: And how about the same thing with these rocks, you know kids, adults, people can jump on them they are not going to come loose or anything like that?

Caleb Geffre: Yup, exactly.

Designing Spaces: Caleb, Rico Rock, this sure is a neat product. And I just want to thank you for being on the show.

Caleb Geffre: Thank you, Stacey.

Designing Spaces: Alright, do you think George will let me try the slide?

Caleb Geffre: Go for it!

About Designing Spaces on Lifetime Television
The TV show is a half-hour informative series that inspires viewers to make every space count and instructs them on the smartest ways to make their homes more beautiful and functional.  To view a show online, just go to
http://www.designingspaces.tv. If you have a great idea for a story, or want to be a part of the show please contact LysaLiemer at lysa@designingspaces.tv.

About O2 Media℠
Based in Pompano Beach, Fla., O2 Media℠ is a national television production company and pioneer of the branded entertainment industry. Since its inception O2 Media℠ has engaged, entertained and educated viewers with such reputable shows as Designing Spaces and The Balancing Act, both airing on Lifetime Television. O2 Media℠ has earned hundreds of industry awards for revolutionizing the way brands engage with consumers on television. O2 Media℠ provides unmatched marketing value to its clients while producing quality content for its growing national viewership through Brandutainment®. Household brands and blue chip companies alike, continue to depend on O2 Media℠ for effectively communicating their message to consumers.  For more information, visit http://www.o2mediainc.com.

CWD Construction Offers Custom Built Dream Homes

CWD Construction

CWD Construction

CWD Construction is a highly respected custom homebuilder in North and South Carolina. Known for its luxury kitchen and bathroom designs, CWD Construction diligently works with clients to get everything just as the future homeowner wants it. Today, CWD Construction talks to Information Nation about how they help a homeowner’s dreams come true.

Information Nation: With so many cookie-cutter homebuilders out there, it’s refreshing to see a homebuilder who lets the customer decide how the home will look. How does CWD Construction do it?

CWD Construction: The difference with CWD Construction is that we give customers the option to customize. About half of our customers decide to go the custom-designed route and we have found that this adds only a small amount to the final cost of a new home or upgrade project when compared to stock plans.

Information Nation: Is it difficult to build things to the customer’s specifications like that?

CWD Construction: Working with our own interior designer (Sonia Dohm), as well as our approved subcontractors, our customers usually find the process is not only painless, but also fun.

Information Nation: Do you find most of your customers already know what they want by the time they contact you?

CWD Construction: Many of our customers are frustrated. They’ve searched plan sites on the Internet and gone through magazines that have plans and still can’t find the layout that conveys what they want. The team at CWD Construction is able to work with them to create that perfect floor plan.

Information Nation: What about the budget? I know that’s a big concern for customers.

CWD Construction: It’s a big concern for CWD Construction, too. We outline the cost right from the beginning, making sure we find a plan that sticks within the customer’s budget. We work with the architect to make sure that the construction cost stays within budget, while still adhering to CWD Construction’s strict quality building standards.

Information Nation: Are customers able to see the design drafts as the architectural design progresses?

CWD Construction: As we work with the architect to design the home, we show each design draft to the customer for review and modification, so not only are we constantly checking the budget, we’re also making sure the customer is pleased with the home design as it progresses.

Information Nation: In addition to the attention to detail you provide, you also are able to provide a home that lasts…

CWD Construction: Yes, definitely. We place a high priority on quality workmanship and we only choose subcontractors who do the same. CWD Construction works hard not only to meet building codes, but also to exceed them, providing a home that will bring a lifetime of happiness to its owners.

Information Nation: It is obvious that CWD Construction has worked hard to earn a good name.

CWD Construction: Yes, and we’re grateful for the opportunity.

Contact CWD Construction by visiting them online at www.cwdconstruction.com

New York Real Estate Developer James P. Stuckey Describes His Non-profit Relationships

 

James P. Stuckey

James P. Stuckey

James P. Stuckey is a well-known New York real estate developer who has been involved in many nonprofit projects throughout his three decades long career.

If you ask James P. Stuckey to name one crowning achievement during the last 30 years you might expect him to say his work in New York City’s redevelopment. One might wonder if James P. Stuckey would mention his oversight of the first Class A office building completed after 9/11. While he is proud of those contributions to the infrastructure of the city, James P. Stuckey believes his contributions to the nonprofit sector are the ones that have done the most good. In this interview, Interviewing Experts chats with this businessman about several of these projects and organizations.

Interviewing Experts: Thank you, James P. Stuckey, for joining us today. We’ve had several reader requests to interview you.

James P. Stuckey: You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure to be here.

Interviewing Experts: We understand that you currently own a real estate development company. Can you tell us a bit about it?

James P. Stuckey: My firm is Verdant Properties. It is a Limited Liability Corporation. I am the founder, CEO, and president. The mission of Verdant is the redefine “green” development through the next generation of development technologies and construction methodologies.

Interviewing Experts: Your main focus is on sustainable living and responsible building, right?

James P. Stuckey: Yes, that’s correct.

Interviewing Experts: Can you tell us about some of the nonprofits that you’re involved in personally?

James P. Stuckey: I am a former trustee at St. John’s University, which is where I received my Bachelors and my first Masters degree.

Interviewing Experts: Please tell us a little about the school.

James P. Stuckey: St. John’s University is a private Catholic college with one of the world’s best global studies program.

Interviewing Experts: Where is it located?

James P. Stuckey: The school has three campuses, actually: Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.

Interviewing Experts: You were also involved in the Center against Domestic Violence too, correct?

James P. Stuckey: Yes, I was its Chairman.

Interviewing Experts: They definitely provide an invaluable service to the women and children of New York City.

James P. Stuckey: Yes. The Center Against Domestic Violence offers support, shelter, and education through counseling, safe houses, and school programs for teens. The facility currently houses over 1000 women and children annually. These people are victims of abusive relationships and have nowhere else to turn.

Interviewing Experts: This organization has been around since the 70s. We know that the Center pioneered a teen outreach program. What is that about?

James P. Stuckey: As we all know, adult women are not the only ones facing abusive situations. Often times, teenage girls find themselves entangled in a relationship with an abuser. Many of these girls are too embarrassed, or are unable to talk to their parents about their situation.

Interviewing Experts: So what can the Center do?

James P. Stuckey: It offers an abuse outreach program that counsels teens on the signs of abuse, both verbal and physical.

Interviewing Experts: That’s absolutely fantastic. We know that you have daughters yourself so we’re sure that is a program near and dear to your heart.

James P. Stuckey: That is an understatement.

Interviewing Experts: You were involved with the Caron’s Drug Recovery Group, so we hear. Can you give our readers some insight into this program?

James P. Stuckey: Caron’s offers treatment services for substance abuse. The group has been around for nearly 60 years.

Interviewing Experts: Sorry to switch gears on you so quickly, but our time is almost up. Are there any groups that you are more active in than others?

James P. Stuckey: Recently I have had to narrow my field of interest somewhat but I am still actively involved in Architecture for Humanity as a community builder.

Interviewing Experts: Why this organization?

James P. Stuckey: As you may or may not know, post-catastrophe work is something I’ve taken a keen interest in since the terrorist attacks in 2001. Architecture for Humanity is a group that also shares this interest. They currently have several projects in Haiti, focusing on rebuilding the country’s infrastructure after the earthquake that shook its foundation in January 2010.

Interviewing Experts: It’s critical for a country to get back to normalcy and rebuild after a disaster. We appreciate your sharing this vision with our readers.

That’s all the time we have today, but thank you so much for visiting with us. We look forward to speaking with you again.

James P. Stuckey: The pleasure was mine. Please call me anytime.

Joe Aldeguer Reports: The FHA’s Credit Guidelines Can Allow for Bankruptcy and Foreclosure

Joe Aldeguer

Joe Aldeguer

Chicago, Illinois – Financial advisor, Joe Aldeguer, calms consumer fears that a less than perfect credit history excludes them from a home purchase forever.

Joe Aldeguer, a Chicago based financial counselor and real estate expert, is often approached by consumers worried about the effects that a strategic default will have on future home purchases. The FHA, reports Joe Aldeguer, isn’t as harsh as some believe. In fact, many people are eligible to purchase a new home in as little as 24 months after a negative entry onto their credit report. Here, Joe Aldeguer provides a summary of FHA guidelines:

Foreclosure

Borrowers who opted for foreclosure in three year’s time, says Joe Aldeguer, may obtain mortgages insured by the FHA. There are exceptions stated on the FHA website that include inability to sell a property beyond owner control. Joe Aldeguer points out that the exception does not apply to homes that did not sell if the resident was moving to a new area – for instance moving from Chicago to Miami.

Chapter 7

Once a Chapter 7 bankruptcy has discharged, reports Joe Aldeguer, a person or family may apply for an FHA loan in as little as two years. The applicant must have created a good credit history for themselves after the discharge, have gainful employment, and be financially stable. Also, says Joe Aldeguer, the FHA will want an explanation of the circumstances that caused the bankruptcy.

Chapter 13

In the case of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, cites Joe Aldeguer, the FHA may be willing to approve an applicant if they have remained current on their payments for 12 consecutive months. The trustee distributing the funds must verify this and approve the application in order to proceed. Joe Aldeguer also states that the borrower must have re-established a good credit history and meet financial qualifications as well.

Other Circumstances

A credit score may have also been affected, notes Joe Aldeguer, by things such as late payments, lack of credit, and failure to pay federal loans, such as taxes or education. It is important to remember, says Joe Aldeguer, that, in many cases, it may be difficult to obtain a new loan after a major blow to your credit report. It is possible though and, with the guidance of an experienced financial advisor like Joe Aldeguer, the process is much less intimidating.

Joe Aldeguer’s Chicago foreclosure management firm, offers consumers sound advice and can go over the pros and cons of each option for mortgage dissolution and getting a fresh start to a new financial life.

Chicago homeowners wishing to obtain further information can contact Joe Aldeguer at 312-915-8105.

Timothy Powers Provides Alamo Baby Boomers Advice on Housing Options

Timothy Powers

Timothy Powers

Over two decades of real estate experience, Timothy Powers of Alamo, California has advised homeowners and homebuyers on a variety of issues. With the economy in such turmoil, Alamo-based Timothy Powers is seeing an increase in concerns about home sales. Nowhere is that concern more prevalent, Alamo’s Timothy Powers observes, than among the baby boomer generation.

Timothy Powers is an Alamo-based foreclosure specialist and real estate agent. With more than twenty years of experience in the field, Alamo’s Timothy Powers has dedicated himself to helping those dealing with foreclosures through his company, East Bay Foreclosure Support. [Read more…]

Stephen Edward Samuelian Discusses Two Rules Guiding a Right Time to Purchase Real Estate

Stephen Edward Samuelian

“There are two rules regarding the ‘smartest time’ to purchase real estate,” says Stephen Edward Samuelian.  According to Stephen Edward Samuelian, rule number one is to purchase real estate when it is on sale.  Rule number two, Stephen Edward Samuelian adds, is that “When in doubt about the smartest time to purchase real estate, see rule number one.”  While Stephen Edward Samuelian said he understands that purchasing real estate on sale is not always an option, it is “preferable and smart.” [Read more…]

JS Properties, LLC Discusses Several Local Opinions of Murfreesboro

JS Properties, LLC is a local real estate brokerage and property management firm in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. As such, states Joyce Smotherman of JS Properties, LLC, the company is in a unique position to witness firsthand the changes that have occurred in the Middle Tennessee area and particularly in Murfreesboro in recent years.

With the addition of retail outlets such as The Oaks and The Avenue, Murfreesboro has become a shopping destination. This is especially nice for those that don’t want to make the drive to Nashville to experience quality dining and shopping. Residents and businesses like JS Properties, LLC are proud to be a part of Murfreesboro’s continued growth and economic success.

JS Properties, LLC adds that the city has been able to achieve a balance between the city’s older, more quaint downtown area and the newer, more modern construction by focusing civic enhancements and developments on Murfreesboro’s neighborhood-scale downtown center. Historic downtown, according to JS Properties, LLC, offers visitors a chance to frequent art galleries, various clothing shops, hardware stores and restaurants as well as other businesses and government offices with the centerpiece being the pre-Civil War courthouse.

The new Middle Tennessee Medical Center, located on Medical Center Parkway in the Gateway area for Murfreesboro, will be opening October 2, 2010, says Joyce Smotherman of JS Properties, LLC. The “green” facility is a part of the St. Thomas Health Services group, contains 286 beds that are 277 square feet each and has the most advanced technology in Middle Tennessee, notes JS Properties, LLC. MTMC is also the first hospital that features voice over IP throughout the entire facility. JS Properties, LLC states that the construction of the new medical center is a huge boon for Murfreesboro.

Overall, the response to the vast changes that have come to Murfreesboro from locals and visitors alike has been overwhelmingly positive. While traffic may be a bit more congested, adds JS Properties, LLC, the family-friendly atmosphere and southern hospitality are still very prevalent.